The ship was built in the late 1900's and was rebuilt in 1981 to enable the international traveler to experience the Amazon in basic comfort. It was again refurbished in 1994. It carries 44 passengers in 21 air conditioned cabins on an itinerary which explores life on the Amazon River and its people.
The ship has been designed as an informal cruise ship. The major public rooms on the M/V Rio Amazonas -the dining room and library- are air conditioned. There is ample deck area both covered and uncovered with comfortable deck chairs and hammocks for a leisurely look at life on the river.

Down river cruises operate from Iquitos to the twin cities of Tabatinga (Brazil) and Leticia (Colombia) departing Sundays and arriving Wednesdays. Up river cruises reverse the pattern departing Leticia / Tabatinga on Wednesday and arriving Iquitos on Saturday. Passengers can combine cruises in both directions for an in-depth seven day / six night round trip cruise.

Transfer from airport/hotel to dock. Board M/V Rio Amazonas. Orientation and cabin assignment by Head Guide. Lunch at 1 pm . While sailing down the Amazon River you will be able to see the varied and beautiful landscapes of this great river. Afternoon stop at Yanamono to visit a sugarcane rum still and sample the various drinks, and molasses, made here. Continue sailing down river. During dinner the guide will tell you of the next day's activities. Enjoy the stunning display of stars from the upper observation deck or relax in the bar/lounge and get to know your traveling companions.

Day 2 : Monday

Early wake up call with time for a cup of coffee or tea before setting out in one of the excursion boats for a bird watching trip on the Ampiyacu River . Your guide will point out a wide variety of colorful birds and tell you of their habits. Return to ship for breakfast. Go ashore to visit a Bora/Huitoto Indian village and see how these people live. Enter their Maloka (community house) and see them in native costume and view their traditional dances. Even though they no longer wear these outfits made from jungle products, your visit helps keep these traditions alive. You will also have the opportunity to see and buy/trade for their handicrafts that include some beautiful paintings of jungle scenes done on tree-bark cloth as well as jewelry, and woven bags and hammocks. Return to ship for brief sail down to the small town of Pevas , the oldest European settlement on the Peruvian Amazon. Visit the studio/gallery of a well known Peruvian painter. After lunch there will be a jungle walk at the Shishita River where your guide will describe and explain many of the trees and plants used by the local people. Opportunity to see some rain forest wildlife. Back on board the ship for dinner and a talk on one of many varied subjects by your guide. Depending on weather, take an excursion by small boat to look for caiman and listen to the sounds of the rain forest.

Day 3 : Tuesday

Morning jungle walk to visit the small village of Paranaquiro and see how the local people live in harmony with the rain forest. After this will be a piranha fishing expedition by small boat to a scenic black-water lake. After lunch on board a stop to visit and walk around the town of Caballo Cocha which is located on the lake of the same name. After dinner take an excursion by boat to spot caiman and listen to the sounds of the rainforest, possibly see some of the wildlife that only comes out at night.

Day 4 : Wednesday

Early morning arrival at Santa Rosa Island , Peru , where the borders of Peru/Colombia/Brazil meet. Cross the river by small boat to visit the towns of Leticia , Colombia and Tabatinga , Brazil . Leticia is a very colorful town with many shops selling souvenirs and Colombian emeralds. Time permitting there will be an afternoon or evening shore excursion by small boat. After dinner the Head Guide will explain the next day's activities. Time to relax and get to know your fellow passengers.

Day 5 : Thursday

Early morning bird watching trip followed by a jungle walk near the village of Chimbote . Our guides have a comprehensive knowledge of the birds of the area and will also explain to you the many uses of plants by the local people. Late morning visit the small missionary town of San Pablo . Optional visit to the Leper hospital run by French-Canadian nuns and see the handicrafts made by these people. After dinner take a night excursion on the Peruate River to look for caiman and night animals.

Day 6 : Friday

Morning visit to a village of Yagua Indians to see their native dress, traditional dances and handicrafts. Even though they no longer wear these outfits made from jungle products, your visit helps keep these traditions alive. Opportunity to buy/trade for these items such as natural dye paintings, jewelry and woven bags and hammocks. Later, visit the studio/gallery of a well known Peruvian painter. Return to ship for lunch and siesta. Late afternoon shore excursion on the black-water Apayacu River to see the flora and fauna of the area and possibly, time and weather permitting, a piranha fishing excursion.

Day 7 : Saturday

Early morning arrival back in Iquitos in time for transfers * to airport or hotel. Iquitos is a very unique and interesting city to visit. Guided tours of the city to see and hear the history of this rubber boom town or visit the local zoo or butterfly farm are available.